Jail terms after roof collapse

Archimedes: July 2011

Prison sentences have been imposed on eight defendants following the death of a Welsh tourist when the roof collapsed at the archaeological site of Akrotiri on Santorini. The 'bioclimate' roof collapsed in 2005 leading to the death of the British tourist while six others were injured, three seriously. The accused faced charges of manslaughter through neglect, causing bodily harm, damaging a monument and violating building regulations.

The 12 defendants included civil engineers, architects and construction firm bosses involved in the ambitious roof project which was started in 1999 and which was almost complete at the time of the tragedy.

Now six have been jailed for for 50 months each and two others have received 43 months each in prison.

The court in Naxos was told one of the pillars that supported the 1,000 sq meter bioclimatic shelter collapsed as 60 visitors were walking round the excavated site.

More than 50 witnesses were called to testify at the trial which had been postponed three times. The important Akrotiri archaeological site was closed to the public and work on a new roof began late last year after delays. The Santorini island site is unlikely to reopen until next year.